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Platonic Solids and Their Programming: A Geometrical Approach

Authors :
Morales-Vidales, J. Abraham
Salazar, S. Alejandro Sandoval
Jacobo-Fernández, Jimena M.
Tlahuice-Flores, Alfredo
Source :
Journal of Chemical Education. Apr 2020 97(4):1017-1025.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

This work covers a three-week program designed to provide undergraduate students with a background in structural chemistry and materials science. Sessions are based on the programming of regular polyhedra and their geometrical relationships by using an object-oriented language (i.e., POV-Ray). Three lectures introduce the basics of programming (syntax), Platonic solids, and the geometrical study of metal clusters and carbon structures. Students work with geometrical aspects of two-dimensional (2D) polygons and generate computer-based algorithms. Next, students study dual three-dimensional (3D) polyhedral shapes, where they adapt the written code to generate Cartesian coordinates of the Platonic solids. Materials to guide the students include an explanation of pseudocodes, tutoring to accompany the programming sessions, reviews of generated codes, and session exercises and challenges. All activities during each hands-on session aim to engage and maintain the initial expectations of the students. Students gain capabilities and knowledge allowing them to code final tests: the C[subscript 60] molecule; an icosahedral metal cluster; and a cuboctahedron.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0021-9584
Volume :
97
Issue :
4
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of Chemical Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1250853
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Descriptive
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00751